Naruto leaned back in his chair slightly, crossing his arms as he posed a thoughtful question. "What about other sponsors? If I accept your deal, does that mean I'm restricted to only working with you and must decline everyone else?"
Yumi smiled, her confidence unwavering. She had anticipated this question. "Not at all. That would be greedy and, frankly, illogical," she replied smoothly. "You're free to take on other sponsors, but there's one condition: they cannot have products that directly compete with ours. To make things easier, we've prepared a list of brands and product categories that would conflict with our agreement."
With a subtle nod from Yumi, Aiko forwarded the relevant file to Naruto. "You should have it now," Aiko said in her calm, professional tone. "This ensures transparency and avoids any complications down the line."
Naruto quickly glanced through the file on his communicator. It was comprehensive but reasonable, listing competing companies in fashion, armor, and accessories. The clauses ensured exclusivity in specific areas but still left him room to explore opportunities outside their scope.
"Smart," Naruto commented. "I appreciate the clarity. It's good to see you've considered these details."
Yumi's smile widened slightly at his response, feeling reassured. Reeling in someone like Naruto—a clan kid from a wealthy and powerful background—was a challenge. Individuals from influential families rarely felt pressured by flashy offers, and Naruto's calm, measured demeanor proved he was no exception. He wasn't going to be swayed by looks or surface-level flattery, which made him all the more valuable.
The Uzumaki clan's own business ventures had been a point of concern during the preparation for these negotiations, but thankfully, none of their products overlapped with Ecstasy's. Otherwise, this meeting wouldn't have even made it past the proposal stage.
Naruto stood up, a sign that the conversation was nearing its end. "I'm happy with what you've offered," he began, his tone polite but firm. "But I'll give you my answer once I return from my trip next month. I'll review other offers, as I'm sure you expect. If I decide to accept your sponsorship, I'll personally visit your company to finalize the contract."
Both Yumi and Aiko stood as well, the CEO maintaining her composed and cheerful expression. "That's completely understandable, Mister Uzumaki. Take all the time you need. If you do accept our offer, we'll prepare a grand welcome for you and your team."
Naruto gave a small, respectful nod. "Thank you."
Yumi's lips curved into a slight smirk as she leaned forward slightly, her tone playful but still professional. "And if you happen to have some free time before your trip, we'd love to treat you to drinks or dinner. Consider it a gesture of goodwill."
Naruto's expression didn't waver, his professionalism steadfast. "Thank you for the offer, but I have another commitment to fulfill," he replied, taking out his communicator to exchange contact information with both Yumi and Aiko.
Though the deal wasn't sealed yet, Naruto didn't mind building connections. Regardless of the sponsorship's outcome, having powerful contacts like Yumi and Aiko could prove beneficial in the long run. From the way Yumi spoke, it was clear she wouldn't hold a grudge if he chose another sponsor, and there was always the chance they'd collaborate in other ways.
As Naruto walked out of the meeting room alongside Mi Jung, he glanced at her and said quietly, "What do you think?"
Mi Jung smirked. "They came prepared, and the offer is strong. But you're smart not to rush. Let's see what the others bring to the table."
Naruto nodded, his thoughts already shifting to his next steps. He wasn't just considering the sponsorship for himself—it was about the team. They needed to learn how to navigate these waters, make informed decisions, and act as a cohesive unit. This wasn't just his journey; it was theirs as well.
Naruto placed a hand on Mi Jung's shoulder, his expression calm and genuine. "Thank you for your time, Miss Kim. I'll be seeing you later."
Mi Jung glanced at his hand, her lips curving into a small smile as she replied, "It's just part of my duty. And please, just call me Mi Jung. No need to be so formal, Naruto."
As she spoke, her hand lightly scratched his—a subtle, almost fleeting gesture. Naruto recognized it immediately. He had seen it countless times in his old world—a sign of interest. He remained outwardly composed, though his thoughts lingered on the memory of similar encounters with women from his past.
Ino, Temari, Shizune, Tenten… so many women he had crossed paths with had expressed their interest in subtle ways. But back then, Naruto had ignored those signs, too caught up in his goals and responsibilities. He had never been particularly adept at handling romantic gestures, especially when they conflicted with his focus on his friendships and his duties.
Still, he couldn't help but reflect on those situations. He'd helped many of his friends fix their own relationship struggles, even when he hadn't noticed the cues directed toward him. With Ino and Temari, for instance, it had been clear their partners weren't a perfect match for them in terms of chemistry, and he had subtly guided them to solutions. Tenten had been another surprise; Lee, for all his romantic enthusiasm, had been so focused on training Metal that he neglected their relationship. And then there was Shizune—a woman Naruto had always seen as a big sister. He'd been shocked to realize that her feelings for him went beyond familial affection, though he hadn't reciprocated.
Naruto smiled at Mi Jung, brushing off the thought for now. "Even so, thanks for everything, Mi Jung. Let's grab drinks sometime."
Naruto paused, offering her a small smile. "Mi Jung. Is something on your mind?"
She returned the smile, though hers carried a hint of something more—something playful. "I thought I'd escort you out. It's not every day I get to work directly with someone like you."
Naruto raised an eyebrow, sensing there was more to her tone than simple professionalism. Still, he nodded. "I appreciate that. Thanks again for helping smooth things over during the meeting. You're good at what you do."
Mi Jung chuckled softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "It's my job to make sure everything runs smoothly, but it's not often I get thanked for it so sincerely. You're quite... different from most of the tamers I've worked with."
"How so?" Naruto asked, genuinely curious as they walked side by side toward the building's exit.
"Well," she began, glancing at him out of the corner of her eye, "most tamers tend to let their egos do the talking. They'd have spent half the meeting staring at Yumi and Aiko instead of focusing on the deal. But you? You're calm, composed, and completely unaffected. It's... refreshing."
Naruto shrugged lightly. "I'm just here to do my job. Besides, getting distracted wouldn't help my team."
Mi Jung stopped walking, turning to face him fully. They were alone now in the corridor, the soft hum of distant voices fading into the background. Her gaze met his, steady and unwavering.
"You're humble, too," she said, her voice softer now. "It's rare to find someone with your strength who doesn't flaunt it. I find that... admirable."
Naruto tilted his head slightly, unsure of where this was going. "Thanks, I guess?"
Mi Jung smiled, taking a small step closer. She was close enough now that he could catch the faint scent of her perfume—something subtle and elegant. "Naruto, do you ever take time for yourself? Or are you always so focused on your responsibilities?"
The question caught him off guard. "I... try to balance things. But yeah, I guess I focus on my team more than anything else."
"That's noble," she said, her voice dropping to a near-whisper. "But even the strongest people need someone to lean on. Someone to remind them that it's okay to enjoy life once in a while."
Naruto's eyes narrowed slightly as he processed her words. He wasn't dense—he could tell where this was heading. But he wasn't sure how to respond. Mi Jung wasn't being overtly inappropriate, but there was an undeniable undertone to her words and actions. She was testing the waters, gauging his reaction.
He decided to address it head-on. "Mi Jung, I appreciate what you're saying. But I've learned to be careful about mixing work and personal matters."
She raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Is that your way of saying you don't think this is appropriate?"
"I'm saying I value professionalism," Naruto replied, his tone even. "But I also value honesty. So, if there's something you want to say, just say it."
Mi Jung laughed softly, the sound light and genuine. "You're sharper than I expected. Fine, I'll be direct. I think you're intriguing, Naruto. And I don't just mean as a tamer."
Naruto blinked, surprised by her bluntness. "That's... flattering. But why me?"
"Because you're not like anyone else," she said simply. "You're confident without being arrogant. Strong without being overbearing. And you have this calm presence that makes people want to trust you. It's rare."
Naruto scratched the back of his head, feeling slightly awkward despite himself. "Well, I'm flattered, really. But I've got a lot on my plate right now. My team, my goals... I don't have much room for anything else."
Mi Jung nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Fair enough. But if you ever decide you do have room, let me know. Drinks, dinner... whatever you're comfortable with."
Naruto offered her a small, appreciative smile. "Thanks, Mi Jung. I'll think about it."
He left the room with a lingering sense of curiosity about where their interactions might lead. In the past, he'd been hesitant to act on hints or gestures, but now, he'd resolved to follow his feelings when he was genuinely interested. After all, he wasn't the same young ninja anymore—he was an adult who understood his emotions better and respected his own desires.
Still, old habits died hard. Naruto hadn't yet taken the initiative in relationships without a direct confession, even with the women currently in his life. They had all pursued him, expressed their affections first. Acting on a hint like Mi Jung's would be a new step for him, though he wasn't the type to rush. He'd wait to see where their conversations went naturally.
As he walked out of the Association, he spotted Na So Ri approaching him. The moment their eyes met, she gave him a sly wink and handed him a small card.
Naruto glanced at it briefly. It bore her number and address. The directness of the gesture wasn't lost on him, nor was the calculating gleam in her eyes. Na So Ri was confident, bold, and clearly experienced in using her charms to get what she wanted.
He could see through her easily. She was the type of woman who thrived on manipulation, using others for her gain. Naruto recalled hearing rumors about her, how she had used a previous partner to amass luxury goods before discarding him when a better opportunity arose. Now, it seemed she had set her sights on him.
Naruto tucked the card into his pocket without much thought. While she had no real chance with him—he had no patience for people with questionable morals like hers—he wouldn't confront her outright. People like Na So Ri were a part of the world, a reflection of its flaws. In the past, he might have exhausted himself trying to fix every such problem, but now, Naruto had learned to choose his battles.
Still, as he walked away, he considered how best to handle her. Simply avoiding her wasn't always the solution; sometimes, a direct confrontation was necessary to set boundaries. But for now, he had more important matters to focus on.
While Naruto was immersed in his meeting, Rika Nonaka headed to a nearby café to meet up with Hikari "Kari" Yagami. As she waited, Rika made a quick call to the rest of the team, informing them that the party they had planned for the evening had been canceled.
The all-night celebration was something everyone had been looking forward to, but with circumstances shifting, they'd agreed to postpone it to the Digital World instead. While disappointing, it wasn't a major issue for anyone—after all, the Digital World would make for an even more thrilling backdrop for their gathering.
At the café, the two young women inevitably drew attention, their striking appearances and fame making them impossible to ignore. Rika, with her bold and confident aura, contrasted sharply with Hikari's serene and gentle demeanor, yet they shared a natural charisma that turned heads wherever they went.
Hikari was the only member of the team still in the human world, as the others had already departed early that morning. The previous day, they had completed their tests, which had proven to be relatively straightforward thanks to weeks of rigorous preparation. Under the guidance of experts like Tai and Yamato, they had honed their skills and strengthened their bonds with their Digimon partners.
Hikari had also passed her test, though the experience had weighed heavily on her. Killing was something she deeply disliked, but she understood the necessity of it in this harsh new reality. As a tamer, she bore a responsibility not just to her partner, but to humanity as a whole. With her immense potential, sitting on the sidelines would have been irresponsible, and she knew it.
These thoughts had driven her to overcome her personal aversion to death and guide her partner, Aaliyah, toward the same understanding. It hadn't been an easy process. Aaliyah, like Patamon—Takeru's partner—was a naturally gentle and kind-hearted Digimon. Both were inclined toward peace and avoided destruction unless faced with truly dark Digimon. Even Tesla, known for his calm nature, had an easier time adapting to the violent realities of battle compared to Aaliyah and Micah.
Despite the emotional struggle, Hikari had persevered. She had worked hard to reassure and guide Aaliyah, instilling in her the resolve to act when necessary. While it was a heavy burden for both of them, Hikari's determination to do what was right for the greater good never wavered.
Staying behind for Naruto was a deliberate choice. The two shared a bond forged through shared experiences and mutual respect, and Hikari had decided to delay her reunion with the team to support him. Now, as she sipped her drink at the café and listened to Rika talk about the latest updates, Hikari's thoughts lingered on the journey ahead.